soldering irons - recommendations - Contractor UK Bulletin Board

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Ignis Fatuus replied

25 January 2013, 11:11
Originally posted by zeitghost

Weller TCP2 for me.

Been using them for the past 40 years.

Generally reliable & reassuringly expensive.

P.S. It rather depends on what you wish to solder of course, a Weller ain't much good for ball grid arrays.

I remember from 50 years ago when I first got interested in electronics - Mullard for your valves, Avo for your meter, and Weller for soldering.
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Troll replied

24 January 2013, 21:28
I'm looking for a 145watt + solder iron - any recommendation?
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FarmerPalmer replied

24 January 2013, 18:59
Originally posted by Scrag Meister View Post

I have a cheap one from Maplins I think it was, the tip is important too.

Actually managed to fix some fractured joints in the light and fan switch in our cooker hood recently. Well chuffed, stopped the wife going on about getting a new one.

I'm a dev not a sparky.

I have one too, an Antex, which is fine for electrical work, but I wouldn't let it near an electronic circuit.
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Scrag Meister replied

24 January 2013, 11:06
I have a cheap one from Maplins I think it was, the tip is important too.

Actually managed to fix some fractured joints in the light and fan switch in our cooker hood recently. Well chuffed, stopped the wife going on about getting a new one.

I'm a dev not a sparky.
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Advocate replied

24 January 2013, 09:51
Re: soldering irons - recommendations

Just buy a new iron rather than trying to solder it, you're a contractor FFS...

Sent from my tweeting foot massager.
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FarmerPalmer replied

23 January 2013, 22:28
and another + 1 for Weller

Temperature control is the main thing to look for, don't get a cheap general purpose soldering iron which doesn't have it.

I have a Weller WTCP 51 soldering station which I am very happy with.

You can get cheaper models than mine, but you can also get much more expensive models.
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Contreras replied

23 January 2013, 21:39
+1 for Weller.

...and yeah technique is everything.

How to Solder : CuriousInventor Guides

Surface Mount Soldering 101 Video
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doodab replied

23 January 2013, 21:05
For electronics work a temperature controlled soldering station makes life a lot easier. Weller make decent ones IMO.
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Netraider replied

23 January 2013, 19:17
It could be worth giving Zeitghost a PM. If I remember correctly he very into soldering etc.
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Fishface started a topic soldering irons - recommendations

23 January 2013, 18:25
soldering irons - recommendations

Can you get a 'good' one or is it just technique?
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